A Washing Machine in Ethiopia....They Don't Take it for Granted

I don't know about you, but I constantly struggle to stay caught up with our laundry!! When Phil visited Ethiopia in 2008, he saw women doing their laundry like this....

That picture made be GRATEFUL for my washing machine!!

Now imagine doing laundry for dozens of children without a washing machine. Think bedding, clothing, diapers, etc....ugh. When Phil visited the Soddo Children's Home in 2008, the electricity was intermittent and laundry was done by scrubbing it on cement chutes.



Since that time the orphanage has been blessed with receiving donated generators which insure electricity. And thanks to the special efforts of 8 young ladies (ages 9-14), in our church, the orphanage in Sodoo, Ethiopia now has a commercial washing machine!! Christine & Katherine, Leah & Alexa, Lydia & Natalie, Sierra and Michaela raised $250, without parental assistance, to help buy a commercial washing machine for the orphans of Ethiopia. They were able to present the money to Stephne Bowers when she visited our church last month. Stephne runs 3 children's homes for orphaned children in Ethiopia and has an amazing ministry!



Here is Stephne's heart-felt letter to those who donated the funds for the washing machine...

"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Soddo and Awassa children's clothing can now be washed in our brand new washing machine which you so graciously donated funds for!

We still have to carry water from the well or bring water on donkey's backs- which then fills this blue container for the days' laundry! But now the nannies can actually get all the washing done before lunch time, which allows them to fold and put away the dry washing by 5 p.m. every day!

These machines can also ONLY function when there is electricity (maybe 3 days per week...?) and on days without electricity, we have been blessed with a generator for each home where we can continue 'normal' day operations without the frustration!

We feel so blessed and the staff are so very thankful for this gift!"

To God be the glory for young hearts sensitive to His call. Thanks girls!!